‘HE DOESN’T LIKE TO GET BEATEN’
Sam to stake claim for Round 1 in hit-out against Bombers:
EMERGING Geelong tall Sam De Koning will be given every chance to make a claim for a senior debut when he fronts up against Essendon on Saturday night.
In what will be the last competitive hit-out for the Cats before Round 1, De Koning is likely to spend time in a variety of roles as he pushes his case for a place in the side to take on Adelaide in a fortnight.
Geelong will be without a recognised ruck, with Rhys Stanley and Darcy Fort unavailable for selection, but Esava Ratugolea, Mark Blicavs, Josh Jenkins and De Koning could all run through there at various stages against the Bombers.
The hierarchy at GMHBA Stadium has been impressed by De Koning’s attitude this summer and assistant coach Nigel Lappin said the Cats were keen to see the 203cm youngster in action one last time before the start of the season.
“Sam’s size, agility and competitive nature are all really exciting characteristics,” Lappin said. “His ability to be able to compete in the air and at ground level is obviously something a ruckman needs to be able to do, but when he goes forward he can take a mark and he very rarely gets outmarked and he doesn’t like to get beaten.
“So we are looking forward to seeing how he goes and we hope that he is challenging right from Round 1 this year, but also that he continues to improve and forces his way in.
“When you have young guys playing well enough to force their way in it forces others around them to make sure they are on top of their game, and that competition is really healthy from a list point of view.”
Francis Evans will also play against Essendon as he looks to nail a place in the senior team for Round 1.
Lappin said despite what had been seen in practice games so far Geelong would still look to ensure it was not scored heavily against on Saturday night.
“We have always prided ourselves on being a team that is really good in the contest so we want to make sure we build moving into Round 1,” he said.
“We are a team that prides itself on defence as well, and we are generally a team that doesn’t get heavily scored against. We have been in the top four or five for defence for a long time and that is a real focus for us as a footy club.
“So while it is good watching footy from an attacking point of view, there would be a few teams who would like to make sure their defensive systems doesn’t see them having 15 goals kicked against them.”
Small forward Luke Dahlhaus was named to play against North Melbourne in a VFL practice match at 10.30am on Saturday, alongside Quinton Narkle and Nathan Kreuger.